Robert’s Community Report: 10/13

Our community continues its recovery from Irma. Events, previously postponed due to the preparation, impact and cleanup after the storm are now coming back on line making for a very busy calendar.

We attended the Research Park at Florida Atlantic University’s third annual awards celebration on Wednesday, October 4^th at The Addison Restaurant. The awards recognized distinguished contributions to the Research Park’s mission to create and sustain the ideal environment for innovation and invention, maximizing the academic and entrepreneurial talent and regional resources in South Florida to accelerate economic development and prosperity. The award recipients for 2017 were:

 Distinguished Researcher: Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D. is currently a tenured associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences in FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science;

Distinguished Entrepreneur: Robert S. Flippo, who has worked in both start-up environments as well as Fortune 500 companies over the last 16 years;

Distinguished Leader: Jeff Atwater, who recently began his new role as vice president for strategic initiatives and chief financial officer at Florida Atlantic University; and

Distinguished Organization: Boca Raton Airport Authority, which manages the Boca Raton Airport which is a major economic engine and asset to both Boca Raton and all of South Florida.

The Junior League of Boca Raton held its 30th Annual Woman Volunteer of the Year (WVOY) Luncheon on Thursday, October 5, at the beautiful Boca Raton Resort & Club.  The Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute was this year’s Award Sponsor and Saks Fifth Avenue Boca Raton returned as the Fashion Show Sponsor.  Saks presented a Fall Trends fashion show with over 50 fashions presented. The luncheon celebrated outstanding, local women in the community by recognizing nominees from nonprofit organizations throughout the county for their dedication and expertise as volunteers. The 2017 Woman Volunteer of the Year Luncheon honored 42 amazing women and their contributions to building a better community. The Honorary Chair was Barbara Schmidt with Kirsten Stanley serving as Chair. Joyce DeVita was selected this year’s WVOY! Congratulations to all nominees.

Matthew Linderman has commenced his position as the Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of Boca West Country Club. Linderman joined Boca West Country Club in 2005 after serving as the Director of Food and Beverage at the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.  He joined Boca West as the Assistant Food and Beverage Director and moved up the ranks quickly, serving first as Food and Beverage Director, then as Club Manager. He became Assistant General Manager in 2015. Linderman follows in the footsteps of Jay DiPietro.

“Art in the Arthouse,” featuring a series of 14 photographs by celebrity/fashion photographer, Rose Hartman can be viewed now through October 22^nd at the Levis  JCC Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center on the Jewish Federation Campus in Boca Raton. Hartman will attend the exhibition’s final evening on October 22^nd and lead a gallery tour and screening of the film, “The Incomparable Rose Hartman.”

On October 14^th it’s the 3rd Annual Boca Raton Mayors Ball. A Red Carpet Black Tie Reception, Dinner, Dance and the George Long Award Presentations. This years Honorees are Bobby Campbell, Florida Atlantic University and Kaufman Lynn Construction. Proceeds are distributed to local non-profits for health and wellness needs through the Rotary Club Downtown Boca Raton “Service Above Self” Grant Program.

South Florida families will get to experience the excitement around the change of seasons at the 1st Annual Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival taking place October 14 & 15 at Mizner Park Amphitheater, from 10AM – 6PM each day. The Boca Pumpkin Patch Festival will feature a variety of fun activities for the whole family, including a giant pumpkin patch in the center of all the action with more than 2,500 pumpkins and a carnival for all ages! Plus, families will enjoy our fall-themed attractions such as our corn stalk maze, a dress-your-own scarecrow village and beautiful fall photo vignettes! Included in the entrance fee are unlimited carnival rides, our fall attractions, and on-going shows & activities on our main stage!

For separate fees, attendees can also enjoy picking their perfect pumpkin in our patch (prices vary based on size), decorating their pumpkins in our Pumpkin Decorating tent (we provide all the supplies, and clean up the mess too), and yummy offerings in our Pumpkin Food Court featuring savory & sweet pumpkin delights (and delicious fair food)! Adults can also enjoy a “cold one” at one of our Pumpkin Beer Bars! More information: https://www.bocapumpkinpatch.com/

On October 19^th there will a heartwarming gathering of support to recognize devoted families in our community who are raising children with developmental disabilities at the rescheduled “In My Shoes” Luncheon. The luncheon benefits the JAFCO Children’s Ability Center (providing family enrichment, resources and respite care to children with developmental disabilities). The luncheon will be held at Boca West Country Club from 11:30AM – 1:30PM You can still purchase tickets at:: https://www.jafco.org/events/jafco-in-my-shoes-luncheon/

SAVE THE DATE for the Inner Circle Executive Club Networking Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity on Thursday October 19^th at 5:30PM. As always, entry is free, complimentary cuisine, and drink specials are available at the Pinon Grille at Town Center at Boca Raton.

Also on October 19^th, join Team Jerry’s Kids from 6-8PM at Barrel of Monks Brewing (1141 S Rogers Cir).  Come enjoy great beer and tasty tacos with the proceeds benefiting Jerry’s Team’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra is seeking musicians of all ages that would enjoy playing in an orchestra. Musicians are welcome to attend an Open House rehearsal on Thursday, October 19th or Thursday, October 26th in Boca Raton. Bring your instrument and test drive their orchestra to see if the orchestra suits your comfort level. The founder/conductor, Lorraine Marks-Field welcomes you to join in the fun of playing in an orchestra in a friendly, non-intimidating way. This diversified ensemble” blends the generations through music”.

Players on all symphonic instruments can participate with the Full Orchestra from 7 – 9PM and 9 – 9:30PM for the Chamber Orchestra. Rehearsals take place on Thursday evenings in Boca Raton. Youth scholarship opportunities are available by calling 561 482-8206 The Florida Intergenerational Orchestra is a unique program that consists of members from ages 9–99 of all skill levels, striving for high artistic excellence in a non-competitive but strongly educational environment. Playing with an orchestra is a richly rewarding experience that bolsters a player’s musicality and adds a new element of fun to the relationship between instrument and musician. FLIOA has been providing that experience to musicians of all ages for 13 years in South Florida. For rehearsal location or other information call 561 482-8206 or email strings4all@aol.com or see the website at www.flioa.org

Join the Twin Palms Center for “A Nautical Art & Wine Extravaganza” “Hook, Wine & Sinker” benefiting the Disabled. Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center will become a “Cork Popping, Paint Dropping Extravaganza” on Friday, October 27^th from 6 – 8:30PM in the beautiful setting of Boca Raton’s Mizner Park. Guests will mingle and socialize while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvers provided by Mississippi Sweets and exceptional wines. The event activities will include extraordinary local artists displaying and selling their artwork, live and silent auctions, and raffles. Wine will be flowing and music playing by Jade Sanders. Take a picture with live Mermaids, sample brews by Saltwater Brewery and Tequila sampling by Baja Café.

The International Coastal Cleanup originally scheduled for September 23^rd  will take place at Red Reef Park and South Beach Park on October 28th.  Adults and families will join forces attacking the marine debris washed up on the beach.

• All ages; children under 18 must participate with an adult.  No drop-offs.
• Pre-registration is required for this event; individuals and families may register online. For group registration, the adult organizer  must call 561-544-8615.
• Registration closes 48 hours prior to the event.
• Space is limited.
• Meet at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.

Place of Hope will be holding HOPE BASH BOCA “A Night in Old Havana” on October 28^th at 6:30 at Boca West Country Club.  For tickets and information: PlaceOfHopeRinker.org/hopebashboca

The Boca Ballet Theatre Guild cordially invites you to the 26th Annual “A Princely Affair” Luncheon and Performance on October 29^th at 12:00pm.  The event will be held at the Boca Raton Resort and Club.
There will be an Auction/Mimosa Social Hour followed by Luncheon and Performance featuring Boca Ballet Theatre with ABT’s Sarah Lane and Aran Bell.

Unicorn Children’s Foundation along with Chairman Max Tucci present a Halloween Masquerade: “Drag Out Awareness.” The
Dinner & a Drag Show will be held on the evening of October 29^th.

Help the Unicorn Children’s Foundation “Drag Out Acceptance” when you see the men transform into dazzling divas! Proceeds support and impact their special needs youth and their families.

This year’s DIVAS:

There will be 2 walks on November 5^th.

At 9AM the Keep Memories Alive Walk will be held in the Mall to benefit the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center.

At 10AM, it’s Moving Day Boca Raton at FAU to benefit The Parkinson’s Foundation. https://movingdaywalk.org/event/moving-day-boca-raton/register-type/

The Mental Health Advocacy Award will be presented to Rita Thrasher, President & CEO of Boca Raton’s Promise; and the Caring Heart Award will be presented to Gerald Yass, Yass Family Fund for Children & Family Therapy at the Faulk Center

Also on November 9^th The Boca Bowl is hosting its Great Chefs Tailgate Showcase and college Spirit Night from 6-8:30PM at the Renaissance Boca Raton Hotel. Admission includes open bar, plenty of ‘not so typical tailgate culinary fare’ and lots of spirited FUN! It is a Lead-in community ‘fan-raising’ and ‘fund-raising’ event to promote the fourth annual Boca Raton Bowl. It’s a friendly competition among Boca’s top chefs as they showcase their culinary tailgate fare seeking one of the judges and people’s choice awards. The evening benefits the Spirit of Giving’s Annual Holiday Gift Drive, granting Holiday wishes to over 4,000 underserved children in our community.

The calendar is jam packed. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @BocaCalendar and check out our new website, www.BocaCal.com